A Unique Rosarito to Ensenada Bike Ride: I Rode the Toll Road!

Since 1979, the Rosarito to Ensenada 50 Mile Bike Ride has been inviting people from all over Mexico and the US to join in what has been recognized as the best national and international cycling event.

The Rosarito Beach Hotel welcomes riders to register the day of the event and offers week-end packages that include the hotel room and ride registration.

Because it became so popular, this race now happens two times a year, once in May and another in September. At their peak, the race welcomed 18,000 people, and it looks like the numbers are growing again.

The start of the race

The bike ride is 50 miles, from Rosarito to Ensenada. It’s known as being pretty tough due to the various uphills and the famous Cuesta del Tigre. However, this year we were lucky, due to the scenic road collapsing in December, the ride was on the scenic road, which was accommodated for the ride.

The Rosarito Ensenada bike riders may not get to see this view again

The ride did feel endless, and when it was time to bike was seemed like a windless, interminable gradual uphill, the people in the race and the cheerleaders (i.e: people who enjoy watching other people suffer while drinking beer) made it seem less bad.

Even the Federales were helping us ride,at the top of one hill, two smiling Federales were in their car blasting party music. Definitely lifting spirits and generating chuckles!

Not the famous never-ending uphill, but a pleasant downhill near the sand-dunes.

The ride costs $400 pesos (about 32 USD) in presale and $450 (about 36 USD) for people who are riding for fun. And all types of people participate, from people in fleece long johns to people wearing green ballet tutus and large Mexican sombreros. If you are more intense, there is an elite category, this costs $450 pesos in presale and $500 (about 42 US) the day of the event.

Looking strong!

Just remember, if you plan on biking, bring lots of water, a little snack (you get a Powerade and there are water and food stops but it’s good to be prepared), and candy. The candy is for the kids in Rosarito who are cheering you on and scream “CANDY” as you bike by them. One guy was even throwing dollar bills and the kids’ excitement was beyond belief!

And for those of you who are afraid you won’t be able to ride the 50 miles, no need to worry there is a bus that picks up people who are too tired or have bicycle problems. Everything has been planned!

So, start training for September’s, if you’re lucky enough it will be on the scenic/toll road and you won’t have to suffer the infamous Cuesta del Tigre.

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